Record player and vendor



June 1, 1954 J. ANDRES R 2,679,917

RECORD PLAYER AND VENDOR Filed April 23. 1949 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 Fla. 2.

nnnnnn IN VEN TOR.

June 1, 1954 L. J. ANDRES 2,679,917

RECORD PLAYER AND VENDOR Filed April 23, 1949 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 FIG. 5.

c n I X f INVENTOR.

June 1, 1954 L. J. ANDRES RECORD PLAYER AND VENDOR 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed April 25. 1949 &

' INVENTOR. V%4% h wig FIG. 6.

June 1954 L. J. ANDRES RECORD PLAYER AND VENDOR 5 SheetsSheet 4 Filed April 23, 1949 8 mm m an F IN VEN TOR.

June 1, 1954 J. ANDRES RECORD PLAYER AND VENDOR 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed April 23. 1949 I I I 1 l I a l I l 1 l a I l FIG. /0.

INVENTOR.

Patented June 1, 1954 UNITED STATES .211

OFFICE 8 Claims.

This invention relates in general to vending machines and more particularly to a combination machine for playing and vending phonograph records.

The sale of phonograph records has always been handicapped in that a prospective purchaser required a demonstration playing of the record before purchase, which involved loss of time and damage to sample records and other circumstances mitigating against the seller. Heretofore phonograph record vending machines were not entirely practical due to the large size and relative fragility of the records themselves. Recently records of small diameter having a large central hole and made of plastic material have appeared on the market, which makes possible the use of a vending machine for dispensing a reasonable number of different selections of records and is capable of retaining a relatively large number of each selection in a relatively small space.

This invention also solves the problem of demonstrating the record by mechanism which upon the deposit of a predetermined minimum coin will automatically play any one of the records in the machine upon initiation and will credit this deposit toward the purchase price required for the delivery of any record selected from its repertoire. The machine also serves the purpose of a selective automatic phonograph where sound renditions only are desired.

Among the objects attained in the machine is the provision for a coin accumulating system for accumulating coins of a relatively large number of denominations and means for playing one or more sample records corresponding with the stock of records available for dispensing.

A further object of the invention is the provision of a coin operated means whereby the deposit of coins of a particular predetermined denomination for playing one or more of the records is credited to the purchase price for the automatic delivery of one or more selected records when a later deposit of sufiicient coins totalling a predetermined purchase price is made.

A further object of the machine is the provislon for a program showing the titles of the records contained therein with two independent switch means, one of which is manually operable for selecting a record for play and the other of which is manually operable for purchasing a selected record.

7 A further object of the inventionis provision of circuit means partially energized upon the deposit of coins in a coin accumulator including a pair of independent selecting switches for energizing the playing of a selected record in a record player and/or energizing a selected record dispenser for dispensing a record upon the deposit of coins totalling a predetermined value in said accumulator.

Another object of the invention is the provision of a dispensing unit for retaining a plurality of coaxially stacked records including means for releasing each lowermost record successively when operated.

These and other objects in one embodiment of the invention are described and shown in the following specification and appended drawings in which:

Fig. 1 is a front elevation of the vending machine.

Fig. 2 is a side elevation of the machine shown, Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is a plan view of a typical disc record in a rectangular envelope.

Fig. 4 is a front elevation of the machine shown, Fig. 1, with door removed.

Fig. 5 is a side elevation of the machine shown Fig. 1 taken generally through section line 55, Figs. 1 and 4.

Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional elevation of a record dispenser unit taken generally through section line 5-6, Fig. 5.

Fig. 7 is the same as Fig. 6 in changed position.

Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional plan view taken generally through section line 88, Fig. 6.

Fig. 9 is a schematic wiring diagram of the vending portion of the machine.

Fig. 10 is a schematic wiring diagram of the selecting and playing portion of the machine.

Referring to Figs. 1 and 2 a casing which serves as a housing for the entire apparatus consists of a stationary casing I and a door 2. A program or title retainer 3 is positioned in the door for the convenient observation of the user. Detachable title strips l are intended to show the selections available. A plurality of push buttons 5, each of which is positioned adjacent to a corresponding title strip, is intended for the operation of playing a selection of one or more records. A similar plurality of buttons 6 is positioned adjacent the opposite ends of the title strips for the selective purchase of a record. A coin receiving entry l is intended to receive coins of various predetermined denominations and credit indicator dial 8 is intended to indicate the accumulated total credit of coins deposited. A conventional scavenger button 9 is provided to clear the coin passageway of defective coins or debris. A return cup I9 is adapted to receive excessive or defective coins deposited. The delivery trays H are provided to conduct dispensed records from dispensers in the machine to the purchaser. A loudspeaker grill !2 serves as a casing for a loudspeaker mounted in the door. The stationary casing and door are secured together by hinge l3 to provide convenient access to the interior parts of the machine.

Fig. i shows the internal arrangement of the mechanism of the machine with the door removed. Three horizontal rows of record dispensing units it are positioned in stationary casing 5 and are intended to support records of each selection to be vended as shown by the coaxial vertical stack Iii supported by the second unit in the upper row.

Referring to Fig. 5, it is apparent that when the lowermost record from each dispensing unit is released it will fall by gravity to trays l i, which are secured to the door and will be available for removal through an appropriate aperture in the door, as shown, Fig. 1.

Referring to Fig. l, three rows of automatic record players it are secured to the stationary casing 5. Each player is intended to retain for repeat playing a sample of each record corresponding to the records retained on each dispenser unit. A combination coin sorter and slug rejector i1 is provided to sort and test coins deposited in entry 1. An electrically driven coin accumulator I3 is positioned beneath the rejector I1 and adapted to respond to acceptable coins passed therethrough and to accumulate the electrical equivalent of the coins deposited and indicate this accumulation on dial 3. A cash box 19 is positioned beneath the accumulator to retain accepted coins. A vacuum tube amplifier 2B is provided to amplify the output of each record player and is connected to loud-speaker 2i shown, Fig. 5, for reproducing the amplified sound. The junction box 22, shown, Fig. 4, is a housing for the play add-subtract accumulator unit and a junction for electrical connections to be hereinafter described and is fed by a conductor 23 which is connected to a source of electric energy.

Push button switch assembly 24, Fig. 5, responds to the push buttons 5 and 5, shown, Fig. 1.

Empty switches 25, Fig. 5, are positioned for operation following the dispensing of the last record and are used for illuminating corres onding signal lamps. Delivery switches 26, Fig. 4, are responsive to each delivery cycle of each dispensing unit, the detailed operation of which will be hereinafter described.

Spacers 27 are provided between the dispensing units to prevent interference between adjacent stacks of records.

A preferred embodiment of one of the dispensing units 14, shown, Fig. l, is illustrated in Figs. 6, 7 and 8 and is secured to a shelf member 28 by a flange 29, which flange serves as a support for a tubular post 33 over which the records are retained through their central hole, which post is fastened coaxially thereto by suitable screws 31.

A shaft 32 is positioned concentric with post 30 and is guided for reciprocation by end plate 33 and a bearing 3% in flange 29.

An electro-magnet 35 having a movable core 36 is secured to a bracket 37 mounted to member 28 by bolt 38. The shaft 32 is retained to a yoke in the core 36 by pin 39.

A cylindrical cam member 46 is concentrically secured to shaft 32 by screw 41 and is in normal rest position in Fig. 6.

A spring 42 surrounding shaft 32 bears against the lower surface of flange 29 at one end and its opposite end bears against a washer 43 retained by key 44 in the shaft. Thus the shaft is urged in downward position, as shown, Fig. 6.

Three flat spring members 45 are secured inside post 36 by rivets 46 and are placed in equal relation to the axis of the shaft 32. Each of the springs has horizontal knife portions 41 positioned substantially in a lane normal to the axis of the shaft 32 and is adapted to move through apertures 48, better shown, Fig. 8. Each spring is normally urged against the outer surface of the cam member 48.

Three dogs 49 are pivotally mounted on pins 50 through brackets 5-1, which brackets are secured equidistant from each other to the inner periphery of the post 36. The lower end of each dog is normally urged outward by hairpin springs 52 positioned against one end of the dog 48 and the inner surface of the post 38 and behind the pins 50, as shown, Figs. 6 and 8.

The cam member 49 has lower and upper cam surfaces 53 and 54 spaced for operating springs 45 and the dogs as in sequence when raised.

A plurality of records in paper envelopes 55, as shown, Fig. 3, are positioned coaxially on the post 36, as shown, Fig. 6. The lower hooked ends 56 of each dog 49 normally retain the col umn of records against the action of gravity in position as shown.

Each delivery switch 26 is secured to the shelf 28 in the path of movement of each pin 39.

Fig. 7 shows the relative relationship of parts in the record dispensing unit when the magnet is energized. The shaft 32 in its upward movement against the action of spring 42 will first cam outward the springs 45 to move their knife portions 41 between the lowermost record and the remainder of the stack by virtue of the cam surface 53 on the cam member 46. Immediately following the knifing action the cam surface 54 of cam will engage the upper end of each dog .49 and move the dog against the restraining action of hairpin spring 52 to withdraw the hooked ends from engagement with the lowermost record, which record is now permitted to fall downward by the action of gravity, as shown Fig. '7. At the upper end of the stroke of shaft 32 the delivery switch 26 will be operated by the action of pin 39, and by a circuit means to be hereinafter described, magnet 35 will be deenergized to permit the shaft to return to its downward position. Upon the downward re turn movement of shaft 32 the dogs will first move to project their hooked ends outward to retain the column of stacked records and upon the complete downward movement of shaft 32 the knife ends 21 of the springs will be withdrawn to permit the stack to rest upon the hooked ends 56 of the dogs 49. Thus the dispensing unit is in position shown, Fig. 6, for the delivery of a subsequent record.

Referring to Fig. 4, each record player I6 is a well known mechanism for automatically playing a record when momentarily energized having its own electric motor and tone arm and including a cyclic means and a switch for stopping the mechanism at the completion of each play. For convenience and illustrative purposes a plurality of this type of player has been illustrated but it is apparent that an electrically initiated selective type record changer can be alternatively used with identical results.

Although there are several types of coin accumulators applicable for use with this machine,

a typical motor driven accumulator I8 .is illustrated in the dotted enclosure in Fig. 9 and is driven by motor 53 and connected by shaft 59 to rotate a coin wheel for a single denomination coin, illustrated as wheel 60.

- Acceptable coins 6! of single denomination descending from the rejector Ill-shown, Fig. 4, descend in chute 62 and are guided into the path of rotation of wheel 50 for further movement thereof. Each coin descending in chute 62 will move arm 63 of switch 64 into temporary holding contact with permanent magnet 55, which operation will start motor 58 to rotate wheel to. A pawl wheel 38 having teeth thereon representing unit credits (for example 5 each) is retained in normal inactive position by spring 69.

The one cent credit wheel is arranged to transmit one unit of credit to the five cent wheel when it has responded to five one cent credits.

A credit indicator dial 8 is intended to be driven in timed relation with wheel 80 in order to indicate to the purchaser the total credit resulting from coins deposited.

A holding pawl is pivotally mounted and normally urged in position shown, by spring "H, which pawl will temporarily hold credit increments of movement of wheel 68 transmitted by movement of pawl 67. An electro-magnet having terminals 13 and M has its core loosely pinned to pawl '56 for moving the pawl out of contact with the teeth of wheel 68 when energized.

A restore switch having blades "1'5 and E6 is positioned for operation in the path of movement of the core of magnet 12 for restoring apparatus to be hereinafter described.

A link l'l pivotally secured to pawl iii is slidably engaged in arm 63 for restoring switch E l against the restraining action of magnet 65 when link Ti is moved downward with pawl 70.

A purchase commutator 18 is intended to record in a step by step manner each unit value (for example 5) from deposited coins. A movable arm 79 will respond to movements corresponding with teeth on wheel 68 and is intended to move progressively into contact with each contact 80 when driven by wheel 58 in a step by step manner.

The purchase price of the record vended may be varied by adjusting the conductor ltlfi running to a predetermined contact 80.

A pulsing commutator 84 has a contact arm 85 adapted to traverse contacts 86 directly proportional to the movement of wheel 68 for establishing credits for playing records on a separate add-subtract accumulator unit shown, Fig. 10 by momentarily completing a pulsing circuit through conductors I04 and I05.

The six electro-magnets 35 represent the electro-nagnets in each dispensing unit shown, Fig. 6.

Normally open delivery switches 26 are shown in operative relation with pins 39. The purchase buttons 6, Fig. 1, are shown as arrows in operative relation with the single pole double throw purchase switches having blades 81, 88 and 89 respectively. This bank of switches is preferably of the interlock type with mechanical means provided for holding the last operated button in 6 displaced position, such as is illustrated in the first switch, Fig. 9.

The empty switches 25 shown, Fig. 5, are also of the single pole double throw variety, having blades 90, ill and 92 and are normally held in position shown, Fig. 9, by the presence of, at least one record on each post 30.

Signal lamps 93 are intended to illuminate individual legends Sold out positioned behind each of the title strips 4, Fig. 1.

One side of the source of energy L1 is connected by conductor 94 to movable arm 19, one terminal of each lamp 93, one of each blade of delivery switch S1 and to one terminal of coin switch 64. The remaining side of the source of electric energy L2 is connected by conductor 95 to blade 9! of each empty switch 25, one terminal of motor 58 and terminals M of electro-magnet 72. Independent conductors 96 connect the remaining terminal of each signal lamp 93 to each blade 90 of each empty switch 25. An independent conductor 91 connects each blade92 of empty switch 25 to one terminal of each magnet 35. An independent conductor 98 connects each remaining terminal of each magnet 35 with each blade 81 of each switch operated by push buttons 6. An independent conductor 99 connects blade 89 of each switch operated by push buttons 3 to blade 88 of each following said switch. Conductor mo connects blade 83 of the first push button switch and a preselected contact 86 representing five units of the purchase price or 25. Thus the sale price is established as twenty-five cents. terminal blade of each delivery switch 26 to terminal 13 of magnet 72.

Arm of pulsing commutator 84 is connected by conductor I63 to blade 15 of the restore switch. Each contact 85 is connected by conductor I05 and also runs to a proper conductor in Fig. 10.

Fig. 10 illustrates the selective record playing portion of the machine in which the dotted enclosures represent two of the six record players shown Fig. 4. Each record player contains a driving motor H36 which drives the mechanism for repeating the operation of the tone arm, not shown. It is understood that the mechanism in each player is adapted to include three cycles of operation following initiation: first the movement of the pickup arm from rest position to play; second, the playing of the record; third, the cut-cit movement at the completion of play and the return of the tone arm to rest position.

Each machine contains a conventional pickup it! having output terminals H18 and 39 respectively. Attached to each mechanism and driven during the repeating cycle thereof is a holding cam H0 and a pulsing cam Ill respectively. These cams are adapted to assume two positions during a complete cycle of the player; the first or off position is shown in Fig. 10. The first cycle of the record player moves the cams to operate the holding switches and mo mentarily operate the pulsing switches. The cam is then arrested at this point until a cutofi cycle of the mechanism occurs, at which time it is returned to rest position asshown. Pulsing switches H2 consist of two normally open blades 1 l3 and H4 and are adapted to be momentarily closed during the repeating cycle of the player.

Holding switches H5 are operated by cams Ill] and consist of blades H6, H1 and 8- respectively.

Conductor E02 connects the .Pickupswitches Hilarealso operated by cams H and consist of blades I and I2I ;respectively.

Play switches I22 consisting of blades I23, I24 and I25 are intended to be independently operated by play buttons -5,'shown, Fig. l.

A lock-cu relay consists of anelectro-magnet I26 having terminals I21 and I28 and normally closed contact blades I29 and I30,'which blades are opened by spring -I3I when magnet I26 is-de-energized.

.A conventional add-subtract accumulator unit for receiving play credits is provided with a rotatable toothed wheel I32 and is adapted to open normally closed switch I33 which consists of blades I34 and I35 when in zero credit position.

.-A spring retained detent arm I35 temporarily retains wheel I32 following each movement thereof.

A vpivotally mountedmagnetic pawl I31 is positioned to advance wheel I32 in step by step manner and is normally retained in inactive position by spring I38.

A magnetic pawl I39 is pivoted opposite pawl I31 and adapted to move the wheel I32 in opposite direction instep by step manner against the restraining action of spring I40 when operated.

vAn electro-magnet I4I having terminals I42 and I43 is positioned to attract-pawl I31 for adding credits when energized.

.An .electro-magnet I44 having terminals I45 and I46 is positioned to attract pawl I33 and subtract credits when energized.

- A vacuum tube amplifier I51, shown as part 20 in Fig. 4, is used to amplify the output of each pickup I01 when connected.

A loudspeaker 2|, shown, Fig. 5, is provided to reproduc the output of amplifier I41.

One side of a source of energy L1 is connected by conductor M8 to terminals I43 and I45 of magnets MI and I44 respectively, to blade I35 of switch I33 and to blade H1 of the first holding switch -I I5.

The remaining source of energy L2 is connected by conductor I49 to terminal I21 of magnet I26 to blades I I3 of switches H2 and to one terminal of each motor I06.

Terminal I46 of magnet I44 is connected by conductor I50 to each blade switch H2.

Conductor I52 connects the contact blad I29 of the relay to blade I24 of the first play switch I22.

An independent conductor I53 connects each blade I25 of the switches I22 to blade I24 oi-each successive switch I22.

An independent conductor I54 connects each blade I23 of each switch I22 to each remaining terminal of motors I06 and each switch blade .-I-I'6 of each switch H5 respectively.

Independent conductors I55-connect each blade IIB of each switch H5 to blade H1 of each successive switch H5.

The blade N6 of the last switch H5 in the series is connected by conductor I55 to conductor I55 at (a) and to terminal I28 of relay magnet I26.

The dotted junction of conductors I55 and I56 represents the point of insertion of the four remaining record changers and the arrows I43, I50 and I53 also represent connections to the remaining four record players.

Arrows I04 and I05 indicate connections to conductors I04 and I05 in Fig. 9.

H4 of each,

co ductor .I 51 -,c,onne cts erminals 10.8 str ckups I01 to one input terminal of amplifie lli.

An independent conductor I58 connects each terminal I09 of each-pickup I01 .toeach blade I20 of each corresponding switch H9.

Conductor I59 connects each blade I-2I of each switch II 9 to the remaining input terminal of the amplifier I41.

Under the assumption that the user presses push button 5 corresponding to the first play switch I22 then a momentary starting circuit will be completed through conductor I54 to the corresponding record changer motor I06 which circuit returns through conductor I49 to line L2.

The starting of this motor I66 will begin the movement of the tone arm into playing position with the record on the record player and simultaneously operate .switches H5 and I IS. The movement of switch H5 will complete a holding circuit to motor I06 by virtue of blades H6 and H1 of the switch and conductor I54. it is to be noted that the blades H1 and I I8 are now open, which prevents any of the other record --players from being energized through the series conductor I55.

This open circuit through conductor by virtue of a series connection through all the switches I I5 now de-energizes the normally closed circuit through conductor I55 and permits the magnet I26 of the lock-out relay to be deenergized, thus opening its contacts I29and I30 and preventing any of the switches I22 being enrgized until the completion of the play oi'the first selected record player.

As soon as the cam H0 has moved sufficiently far to operate switch -I I5 it will come to rest by means of mechanism not shown and remain so during the piay of the record on the player. The switch H9 having been closed by the first movement of the cam III) will complete a circuit from the pickup I61 through conductors I57, I58 and I53 to the amplifier I41 which will operate loudspeaker ZI to reproduce the selection being played.

Upon completion of play of the selected record the tone arm is returned to its initial position by means of mechanism not shown and again rotates cams H0 and III. This movement of cam III will momentarily close pulsing switch H2.to complete .a momentary circuit through subtractmagnet I44 which will return wheel I32 to its initial position and simultaneously open the blades of switch I33.

When the pickup is returned to its normal rest position the cam I I0 will have returned switches I I9 and I I5 to their normal inoperative positions as shown.

It is apparent from the above that the deposit of additional coins will advance wheel I32 to provide additional credits for play purposes which will permit the operation of additional selected switches I22 and their corresponding record-players corresponding to the value of coins deposited. Improper manipulation or operations in excess or those corresponding to coins deposited are prevented by virtue of the independent series connections between switches H5 and switches I22 in conjunction with the operation of the flockout relay.

It is also to be noted that the play of the records corresponding to the deposit of coins does not cancel the credit for the purchase of records held by wheel 68, Fig. 9, which credit will be shown on dial 8. Should the user desire to purchase ,a selected record he first will-choose the desired record by selecting and pressing a button B, Fig. 9, corresponding thereto and continue the deposit of coins in the accumulator until wheel 58 has advanced commutator arms '19 to its sale price position which occurs when the arm l9 has reached a contact 80 to which the conductor 595 is terminated. This movement will complete a circuit from the line L1 through conductor 94 through commutators it and Bithrough the now closed blades 88 and 8? correspondin to the depressed button 3 through conductor 98 to energize magnet 35 of a corresponding record dispenser unit, which circuit is returned through conductor 9! the closed blades 9i and 82 of empty switch 25 to conductor 95 to line L2. 7

The energizing of magnet 35 will operate the dispensing unit shown, Fig. 6, to release a lowermost record therefrom to the delivery tray I i At the extreme upward return motion of the core of the magnet 35 pin 39 will momentarily close delivery switch 2'5 which will energize restore magnet 72 through conductors I02 and 95. When the restore magnet 12 is energized pawl H3 and link Tl will be simultaneously retracted to permit wheel 58 and commutators 18, Si and 84 to return to their normal positions.

Link ll will release arm 63 of switch 64 from the magnet 65 whereby it will return to its normal position by spring means Within the switch and de-energize motor 58.

Concurrently with the operation of magnet 12 the blades l and 16 of the safety switch will be opened to prevent the commutator 34 from energizin a circuit through conductors Hi l and N35 to the add-magnet shown in the diagram, Fig. 10.

It is apparent from the above that whenever sufficient coins are deposited in the accumulator to establish a circuit through commutator 18 any one of the depressed buttons 6 will result in releasing a record from a corresponding dispensing unit.

The reason for preferring the use of an interlock mechanism for the switches controlled by button 5 is to insure that a record will always be dispensed when suificient coins are deposited.

The release of records in addition to those corresponding to the proper deposit of coins is prevented by the independent series conductor 99 I between the selecting switches together with the restoring action of the automatic accumulator responsive to each delivery switch 25.

In the event that any one record dispenser becomes empty its corresponding switch 25 will operate to illuminate a corresponding lamp 83 which will indicate to the purchaser that the particular selection is sold out. Having described my invention I claim:

1. A selectingsystem for a combination coin operated record playing and dispensing machine comprisingan electric coin accumulator means responsive in proportional movement to a predetermined value of coins deposited therein, an electric circuit closing means driven by said coin accumulator means adapted to operate when a predetermined total value of coins is deposited, an electric commutator driven by said coin accumulator means, a selective record dispenser including an electric release means adapted to dispense a selected record when energized, electric purchase switch means adapted to selectively energize said release means, electric cancel means responsive to movement of said dispenser means for restoring said coin accumulator when first accumulator equals 10 operated, an electric selective record player adapted to play a selected record when energized, an electric play accumulator having an addmagnet adapted to add credits when momentarily energized by said commutator correspondingto predetermined coins deposited in said coin accumulator, said play accumulator having a subtract-magnet responsive to each operation of said record player to subtract therefrom one credit for each operation of said player, electric pulsing switch means in and responsive to said player for momentarily energizing said subtractmagnet for each play of said player, electric play switch means for selectively energizing said record player, an electric circuit means connecting all the above said electric elements whereby the deposit of a predetermined minimum value in coins in said coin accumulator means will energize and operate said coin accumulator means and simultaneously energize and operate said commutator to energize said add-magnet in said play accumulator for one play and whereby the selective operation of said play switch means will energize said record player to play a correspond ing record and said player to operate said electric pulsing switch means to momentarily energize said subtract-magnet to cancel said credit in the said play accumulator and upon the deposit of a predetermined value in additional coins the selective manual operation of said purchase switch means will energize said record dispensing means to release a selected record and simultaneously operate said cancel means to restore said coin accumulating means to normal position.

2. In a coin operated machine for selectively playing and vending disc phonograph records, a record dispensing unit adapted to retain a stacked column of records having similar recordings, a first accumulator for receiving coins and having means for crediting the amount deposited, release means for releasing the lowermost-record of said stacked column when the predetermined amount for purchasing a record has been deposited in said accumulator, an electric purchase switch for said release means, an electric record player for playing a record similar to the record of said column, electric play switch means for said record player, a movable member driven by said first accumulator, an add-subtract accumulator adapted for energization in response to movement of said member for establishing credits for playing records, means, upon depositing in said first accumulator a predetermined amount to play a record, for adding credit in said add-subtract accumulator and completing a circuit to said play switch means, means upon actuation of said play switch means and play of said record for subtracting credit for playing records from said add-subtract accumu lator, and means upon actuation of said purchase switch for completing a circuit from said first accumulator to said release means to energize the latter when the total amount deposited in said the predetermined amount for purchasing a record.

3. In a coin operated machine for selectively playing and vending disc phonograph records, a record dispensing unit adapted to retain a stacked column of records having similar recordings, a first accumulator for receivingcoins and having switch means for crediting the amount deposited, release means for releasing the lowermost record of said stacked column when the predetermined amount for purchasing a record has: been deposited in. said: accumulaton an electricv purchase switch for-said release, means, an electric record player for playing a record similar toithe record of said column, electric play switch means for said record player, an electric pulsing means driven by said first accumulator, an addsubtract accumulator adapted for energizationin response to movement of said pulsing means for establishing credits for playing records, means upon depositing a predetermined amount for playin a record in said first accumulator for addin credit in said add-subtract accumulator and completing a circuit to said play switch means, means upon actuation of said play switch means. and. play; ofsaid record for subtracting credit for playing records from said add-subtract accumulator and means upon actuation of said purchase switch for completing a circuit from said first accumulator switch means to said release. means to energize the latter when the total amount deposited in said first accumulator equals the predetermined amount. for purchasing a record.

4. In a coin, operated machine for selectively playing and vending disc phonograph records, a. record dispensing unit. adapted to retaina stacked columnof records having similar recordings, a firstaccumulator for receiving coins-and havin switch means for crediting the amount deposited, release meansincluding a magnet for releasing the, lowermost. record of said stacked column when the predetermined amount for purchasing a record has been deposited in said acmumulator, an electric purchase switch for said release means, an electric record player for playing a recordsimilar to the record of said column, electric play switchv means for said record player, an, electric pulsing means driven by said, first accumulator, an add-subtract accumulator having an add. magnet and, a subtract magnet adapted for energization in response to movement of said pulsing means for establishing credits for playing records, means upon depositing a predetermined amount for playing a record in said first accumulator for adding credit in said add-subtract accumulator and completing a circuit to said, play switch means, means upon actuation of said play switch means and play of said record for subtracting credit for playing records from said add-subtract accumulator and means upon actuation of said purchaseswitch for completing acircuit from-said first accumulator switch means to said release meansmagnetto energize thelatter when the total amount de posited in saidfirst accumulator equals the predetermined-ainount for purchasing a record and means following energization of said release meansfor cancelling credit in said first accumulater.

5. In a, coinoperated; machine for selectively playing and vending disc phonograp records, a. record dispensing unit adapted to retain a stacked column of records having similar recordings, afirst accumulator for receiving coins and having switch means for crediting the amount deposited, release means for releasing the lowermost record of said stacked column when the predetermined amount for purchasing a record has been-deposited in said accumulator, an electric purchase switch for said release means, anelectric record player for playing a recordsimilar to the record of said column, electric play switch means for said record player, an electric pulsing means driven by said first accumulator, an add-subtract.accumulator adapted for: energization. in. response to movement of said pulsing means for establishing credits: for: playing records, circuit means for connecting said release means, purchase switch, record player, play switch and said accumulators, means upon depositin a predetermined amount for playing a record in said first accumulator for adding credit in said add-subtract accumulatorand-completing a circuit to said play switch means, means upon. actuation of said play switch means and play of said record for subtracting credit, for playing records from said add-subtract acoumuwlator and means upon actuation of said purchase switch for completing a circuit from said first accumulator switch means to-said release. means to energiz the latter when the total amount de' posited in said first. accumulator equals thepredetermined amount for purchasing a record: and means following energization of said, release means forcancelling credit in saidfirst accumulator, and an indicator dial driven by said first accumulator adapted to indicate. the increment of. creditof said accumulator switch means.

6.. In a coin operated machine for selectively playing and vending disc phonograph records, a plurality ofrecord dispensing units each adapted to retain a stacked column of records having similar recordings, a first accumulator for, receiving coins and having switch means for crediting the amount deposited, release means for each unit for releasing the lowermost record of said stacked column when the predetermined amount for purchasing a record has. been deposited in said accumulator, an electric purchase switch for each release means, an electric record player associated with each unit for'playingia record similar to the record of the stacked column with which it" is: associated, electric play switch means for each. record player, an. electric pulsing means driven by said. first accumu later, an addesubtract accumulator adapted for energization in response to movement of said pulsing means for establishing credits for playing records, meansupon depositing a predetermined amount for playing a record in said first accumulator for-adding credit-in. said add-subtract accumulator and completing a circuit to said play switches, means upon actuation of a selected play switch means and play of the rec- 0rd selected for subtracting credit for playing records from said add-subtract accumulator, and means. upon actuation of a selected purchase switch for completing a circuit; from said first accumulator switch means to the release means corresponding with the selected purchase switch to energize the release means when the total amount deposited in said first accumulator equals the-predetermined amount for purchasinga rec- 0rd.

7. In. a. coin. operatedmaohine: for selectively playing and .vending disc. phonograph records, a plurality of record dispensing units each adapted to retain a stacked column of records having similar, recordings, a first accumulator. for receiving coins and having switch means for crediting the amount deposited, release means for each unit for releasing. the lowermost record of said stacked column when the predetermined amount for purchasing a record has been. deposited in said accumulator, anelectric purchase switch for each release means, an electric record player associated with each unit for playing a record similar to, the record of. the stacked column with whichitisassociated, electridplay switch means for. eachrecord, player, an. electric pulsing means driven by said first accumulator, an add-subtract accumulator adapted for energization in response to movement of said pulsing means for establishing credits for playing records, circuit means for connecting said release means, said purchase switches, said record players, said play switches and said accumulators means upon depositing a predetermined amount for playing a record in said first accumulator for adding credit in said add-subtract accumulator and completing a circuit to said play switches, means upon actuation of a selected play switch means and play of the record selected for subtracting credit for playing records from said add-subtract accumulator, means preventing energization of additional record player until completion of play of the selected record, and means upon actuation of a selected purchase switch for completing a circuit from said first accumulator switch means to the release means corresponding with the selected purchase switch to energize the release means when the total amount deposited in said first accumulator equals the predetermined amount for purchasing a record.

8. In a coin operated machine for selectively playing and vending disc phonograph records, a plurality of record dispensing units each adapted to retain a stacked column of records having similar recordings, a first accumulator for receiving coins and having switch means for crediting the amount deposited, release means for each unit for releasing the lowermost record of said stacked column when the predetermined amount for purchasing a record has been deposited in said accumulator, an electric purchase switch for each release means, an electric record player associated with each unit for playing a record similar to the record of the stacked column with which it is associated, electric play switch means for each record player, an electric pulsing means driven by said first accumulator,

an add-subtracted accumulator having an addmagnet and a subtract-magnet adapted for energization in response to movement of said pulsing means for establishing credits for playing records, circuit means for connecting said release means, said purchase switches, said record players, said play switches and said accumulators means upon depositing a predetermined amount for playing a record in said first accumulator for adding credit in said add-subtract accumulator and completing a circuit to said play switches, means upon actuation of a selected play switch means and play of the record selected for subtracting credit for playing records from said add-subtract accumulator, means preventing energization of additional record player until completion of play of the selected record and means upon actuation of a selected purchase switch for completing a circuit from said first accumulator switch means to the release means corresponding with the seleeted purchase switch to energize the release means when the total amount deposited in said first accumulator equals the predetermined amount for purchasing a record, and means following energization of the selected release means for cancelling credit in said first accumulator.

References Cited in the file of thi patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 1,058,144 Blank Apr. 8, 1913 1,649,365 Poling Nov. 15, 1927 2,271,397 McDermott Jan. 27, 1942 2,330,136 Jetseck Sept. 21, 1943 2,333,176 Hoban Nov. 2, 1943 2,321,402 Margulis June 8, 1943 2,398,543 Lo Cascio et al Apr. 16, 1946 2,417,537 Wyckuff Mar. 18, 1947 2,435,933 Toolan Feb. 10, 1948 

